First Nations

Sally Sabe and The Seven Teachings is a story about Honesty. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

A magical mirror helps a young girl understand her true beauty in this new picture book from the creators of Nibi’s Water Song.

When Challa comes home in tears after being teased about her smile, her mom gives her a special gift. It’s a magic mirror — shiny, beaded and beautiful — passed on from her mom, and from her djo djo before her.

Challa’s mom tells her that when anyone looks into the mirror, they will see their true self. There’s just one rule: Everyone has to say what they see in the reflection.

At first the mirror seems to work for everyone but her. Challa keeps looking and looking. The more beauty she sees in herself, the happier she feels, and the longer she looks into the mirror, the more beauty she sees, until finally Challa sees so much beauty, she can't contain her smile!

This special story, from award-winning activist Sunshine Quem Tenasco and artist Chief Lady Bird, introduces readers to concepts of self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and recognition of the unique beauty that comes from within.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in French here: Un si beau sourire

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.78" x 9.83" | Hardcover

Have you ever wondered why Rabbit has such long ears? Or why Raccoon is wearing a mask? In this collection of funny and unique short stories, young Skye enlightens us in a number of Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her Ojibway Grandfather. Through her natural gift of storytelling, Skye encourages other children to embrace the art and become storytellers, too!

Educator Information
This book is recommended for ages 5 to 9.

"Each story has a special teaching, so remember to listen closely for it."

A teacher lesson plan is available for this resource: Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather Teacher Lesson Plan

This book is available in French: Skye la conteuse: Enseignements de mon grand-pere ojibway 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.95" x 7.02" | Paperback

Tani Turtle and The Seven Teachings is a story about Truth. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

On the banks of the Gwa’yi River, a young Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w princess grows up to be a curious student, an influential leader, and a mother. She is a humble person and doesn’t speak of her royalty to her children, but when they learn she is a princess at a traditional celebration, they are in disbelief. She doesn’t wear fancy clothes or attend balls or do anything the children think princesses should do. Using a strategy they had read about in an old tale to put their mother’s royalty to the test, the children discover the truth. But more importantly, they also learn what it really means to be a princess.

Written as a tribute to the author’s grandmother, this beautifully illustrated story reimagines a fairy tale in a contemporary Indigenous setting.

Awards

• First Place: 2025 Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society Book Awards for BC Authors
• Longlisted: 2024-2025 First Nation Communities READ Award

Reviews
"The author was inspired by the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Anderson when she wrote this story to honour her grandmother. In this contemporary version, two children, while attending a traditional Indigenous celebration, are surprised to hear that their mother is a princess. She has never mentioned her royalty, and she doesn’t act the way the children think princesses generally behave. Remembering the story that told of placing a pea under mattresses to test if a person is a real princess, the children secretly place a pair of pants under their mother’s mattress and anxiously wait to hear if her sleep is affected. In the morning, they learn not only the truth, but also what it really means to be a princess.

Classroom Connections: The Princess and the Pants could be used in the classroom to compare different versions of fairy tales. It could also serve as a springboard into discussions about the personal qualities that the author wished to celebrate when she wrote this story. A short biographical note about Dr. Evelyn Voyageur—a notable Indigenous leader—is included. Beautiful illustrations depict aspects of a Kwakwaka’wakw culture." - Canadian Teacher Magazine, Fall 2023 issue

"A contemporary Indigenous spin on the Princess and the Pea, the picture book is suitable as a part of a fairy tale unit and a read-aloud to spark discussions about personal qualities and attributes, expectations, stereotypes, curiosity, the importance of helping others, and honouring traditions." - Focused Education Resources

“Loved the role modelling of the princess as one who represents adventure, cultural knowledge, and caring for others while finding achievement. The story promotes respect, admiration, humility, kindness, and honouring of a strong, successful female. The imaginative story is a fun challenge to princess stereotypes and classic related fairytales. The nonfiction content provides an enriching and personalized bonus that deepens the impact of the words and provides local significance. Well done. The illustrations are excellent, offering accurate and attractive cultural designs, clothing, head ware, and jewelry.” – The 2025 Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society judges’ panel

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Backmatter provides details about Ukwanalis, including a map, as well as information about the inspiration behind the story, Dr. Evelyn Voyageur.

Curriculum Connections 

• Early Literacy – listening, reading, and discussing 
• Art – traditional Indigenous art practices, including jewellery and regalia 
• Social Studies – career education, family history, connection to community, geography, and local First Peoples communities 
• Language Arts – contemporary First Peoples stories and revisioning classic fairy tales 
• Social Responsibility – leadership, humility, caring for others, and honouring traditions 

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8.5” x 11” | Hardcover | 9781771746038

From the award-winning author of On the Trapline comes a cinematic fantasy-adventure story inspired by Indigenous legends.

One summer day, Lauren and her little brother, James, go on a trip to the land with their Moshom (grandfather). After they've arrived, the children decide to fish for dinner while Moshom naps. They are in their canoe in the middle of the lake when the water around them begins to swirl and crash. They are thrown overboard and when Lauren surfaces she sees her brother being pulled away by the Memekwesewak — creatures who live in and around water and like to interfere with humans. Lauren must follow the Memekwesewak through a portal and along a watery path to find and bring back James. But when she finally comes upon her brother, she too feels the lure of the Memekwesewak’s song. Something even stronger must pull them back home.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in French: Le chant vers la maison 

Additional Information
52 pages | 9.00" x 10.25" | Hardcover 

Will and Tom speak in a whisper.
"Uncle, tell us the story of the Windigo."
The boys look behind them for something they can't see.

When Uncle shares the story of the Windigo, the cousins get more than they expect. That night something strange scratches at the frost on their bedroom window. In the morning they find huge tracks in the snow. The Wandering Night Spirit of Winter!

Tom and Will know what good Trackers would do, so they follow the trail deep into the forest. Then a strange cry slices the air.

"Remember," Will whispers as they move forward. "Don't look into its eyes."

Can you be a tracker too? Find the tracks hidden in the pictures.

Reviews
"Gorgeous illustrations and suspenseful writing fully engross the reader and have my kids sitting on the edge of their seats every time. This emotional engagement makes it a perfect read for discussing the concept of bravery, while the story's details provide wonderful cultural education. And as a fun bonus, the endpapers show different animal tracks that you can spot throughout the book - just like good Trackers!"— Read. Learn. Repeat. Blog

"Richly illustrated in mixed media, Waboose weaves a story of respect for nature and family. The boy's insistence of their bravery is countered by their natural fear of the unknown — and the stories they have heard. A great read for a stormy winter night. Beware of the Windigo!"— kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

"Anishinaabe Waboose's prose seamlessly threads her people's legends with her story of a modern First Nations family that is keeping its traditions alive. Award-winning illustrator Thisdale's expressive and detailed illustrations add depth to Waboose's engaging text. His mixed-media paintings successfully blend the traditional and the modern, the comfortably familiar and the uncanny, to support the story's themes. An intergenerational tale that celebrates both a specific tradition and the universal curiosity of children."— Kirkus Starred Review

Educator Information
Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list as being useful for grades K-4 for English Language Arts.

Young readers will be able to improve their tracking skills as they find clues hidden in the illustrations along with Will and Tom.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Paperback

A mother — the author of this story — shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter, introducing her to waci (dance) as a way to celebrate life. Wacipi (powwow), where the dancing occurs, is a setting for Indigenous song, dance, regalia, food and crafts.

A warm, family story for all ages, Waci! Dance! visually embraces the joy of being together and caring for each other. (A glossary and author's note are included.)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.

Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.

Inspired by her son’s experience—and her family's love of powwow music and dance—Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Find the dual-language (English and Plains Cree) version here: We Belong to the Drum / mistikwaskihk kitipeyimikonaw 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

The drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We all belong to the earth and we all belong to the drum.

Nikosis grew up going to powwows with his family, happily immersed in music, dance and the sounds of the drum. But when he starts going to daycare, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. Nikosis cries every time his mother leaves him in the unfamiliar environment until, one day, she and the teachers use drums to help Nikosis find connection and comfort.

Inspired by her son’s experience—and her family's love of powwow music and dance—Indigenous educator and champion hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche shares this uplifting true story of the transformative effects of culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is the dual-language version, in English and Plains Cree. 

A free, downloadable poster for this book is available: Poster - We Belong to the Drum

About the Translator
As a first-language speaker of Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin), translator Dolores Greyeyes Sand has devoted her career to teaching and promoting Cree language and cultural literacy at every opportunity, proudly following the path laid by her late mother, Dr. Freda Ahenakew, CM, SOM.

Find the English version here: We Belong to the Drum

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

“We’ll love you as much as the narwhal loves its tusk.

We’ll love you as much as the seal loves its musk.

Little One, our new baby,

Welcome to our family.”

This loving bedtime poem shares all the ways in which a family will welcome their long-awaited new member. Sharing love as deep as the beluga dives and as warm as the shaggy hair of the muskox, this poem envelopes a new baby in the embrace of their new home in all its forms—the Arctic landscape and the welcoming arms of family.

Written by Inuk/Dene writer Masiana Kelly, and illustrated with warmth and softness by Tamara Campeau, this sweet and simple narrative celebrates the beauty of creating a family and the unbounding love waiting to be shared with a new little soul.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

A heartwarming book from creators of Indigenous and Métis descent about the power of story and tradition to help navigate change

How does a strange new place become home?

When Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky. Without the stars watching over him, he feels lost.

His parents try to help, but nothing seems to work. Not glow-in-the-dark sticker stars, not a star-shaped nightlight. But then they have a new idea for how to make Ojiig feel better — a special quilt stitched through with family stories that will wrap Ojiig in the warmth of knowing who he is and where he came from. Join this irresistible family as they discover the power of story and tradition to make a new place feel like home.

Reviews
"Luby (Anishinaabe) and Donovan (Métis) have created a story of identity that is grounded in a specific community with universal themes that will appeal to many readers…useful for classes engaging in discussions about cultural identity, migration, and remaining connected to one’s culture…Highly recommended.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Luby’s lyrical text and Donovan’s vibrant…illustrations combine to powerfully convey universal themes about change and the strength of family.”—Horn Book, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Listening is a first step towards reconciliation. It's never too early to start. "Every child matters, including you and me. With our orange hearts, we walk in harmony." As a young child, your little world can be full of big feelings. In this book, I, Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, show how sharing my story with the world helped me to process my feelings. My true story encourages young children to open their hearts when others share their feelings and be more comfortable sharing their own feelings, too.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 6.

This book is available in French in paperback: Avec nos coeurs oranges

This book is available in English in paperback: With Our Orange Hearts (PB)

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.15" x 8.25"  | Hardcover

Educator Information
You Are Sacred is a perfect read-aloud for children ages 3 to 6 in both classrooms and homes. 

Curriculum Connections:
Early Literacy – listening, reading, and discussing

Art – traditional Anishinaabe clothing and art

Health and Wellness – focusing on breath and balance, self-affirmation

Science – harmonious ecosystems, biodiversity of plants and animals with Indigenous cultural importance, environmental awareness

Social Responsibility – uplifting others and ourselves

Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, the Seven Generations, and All Our Relations 

Series Information
You Are Sacred is the first book in the All That You Are series. Through lyrical text and watercolour illustrations, this series shares the teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel to remind children of their connection to the world around them. Each book is inspired by one quadrant of the Medicine Wheel that represents an aspect of wellness—Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, or Mental. A diagram of the Medicine Wheel is included at the back of the books. Anishinaabe Connections are also included to share more about Anishinaabe art, culture, and traditions explored in the text and illustrations.

You Are the Land is the second book in the series.

A percentage of proceeds from the All That You Are series is donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to support their efforts in advocacy for justice and healing. To find out more information, please visit https://www.irsss.ca/.

Additional Information
24 Pages | 8" x 8" | Hardcover | ISBN: 978-1-77174-629-8

A vivid dream teaches Little Wolf about courage and acceptance of those who are different, and inspires her to show her daughters and their classmates how to be proud of their diverse cultural backgrounds.

Throughout her life, Little Wolf has been troubled by the injustice she sees all around her. When she was young, she was bullied for her Indigenous heritage. Her mother, White Raven, spent ten years in a residential school, separated from her family and isolated from her culture. Little Wolf’s own children are growing up in a different, more open society, but hatred and racism still exist. Little Wolf worries about the world her daughters will inherit. One night, a vivid dream helps her realize her own strength as a leader and peacemaker in her community. Told with powerful imagery and symbolism, Abalone Woman is the third book in the Little Wolf series, which presents themes of racism, trauma, and family unity through relatable, age-appropriate narratives.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This is the third book in the Little Wolf series.

This book is available in French: Femme Ormeau

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Paperback